Michele Butcher gave a talk at WordCamp Montreal 2016 about the mental health challenges faced by remote workers, including depression, anxiety, burnout, and work anxiety. She discussed how remote workers are often isolated and don't have the social support of an office environment. She provided tips for remote workers to maintain their mental health, such as leaving work at work, relaxing, changing routines, talking to others, engaging in fun non-screen activities, self-care, exercise, seeking help if needed, and building a supportive community.

1. Demons In the Closet
WordCamp Montreal 2016
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@michele_butcher

2. Michele Butcher
Accounts Lead at valet.io
The WP Crowd
Member
Lead Organizer
Southern IL WP
Beginners WP
Instructor
#wordCatMTL@michele_butcher

3. Disclaimer
I am in no way a medical professional. If you feel you
need professional help, please seek help. Ideas
expressed in this talk are opinion based.
Oh and there will
be lots of cat memes!
Because cats make
people happy
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@michele_butcher

4. A day in the life of a
remote worker
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5. How society thinks we work
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@michele_butcher

6. How our day typically goes
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7. Benefits of working
remotely
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8. We work wherever there is
WiFi and coffee
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9. We can have our music or movies on
without any co-workers complaining
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10. Because pants are optional
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11. The demon in the closet no
one wants to talk about.
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12. Mental Illness
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13. Depression is one of the #1 Health
Concerns of Remote Workers
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14. Burnout is a real thing
Anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, insomnia, anger,
irritability, health issues like indigestion and headaches),
lack of motivation, decreased job performance, loss of
focus and forgetfulness can all be signs of burnout.
@michele_butcher
#wordCatMTL

15. Work Anxiety
Am I good enough?
Will they fire me for this one mistake?
I am not coding fast enough.
@michele_butcher #wordCatMTL

16. Ways to stay happy and sane.
Well semi-sane for some of us.
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17. Leave work at work
It will be there when you get back I promise
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18. Relax
Life does not have to be at the
speed of light all the time.
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19. Change your routine
Work someplace new, go out to lunch, take a walk
break, take a 20 minute nap sometimes.
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20. Talk to people
Take advantage of social media platforms.
Slack, Facebook, Twitter, and other chats can help you
feel connected while working alone.
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21. Do something fun
And make it something that does not involve a screen
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22. Don’t forget about you
Be deliberate on taking care of yourself. Eat healthy,
keep up with hygiene, and stay clear of bad health habits.
@michele_butcher #wordCatMTL

23. Get Physical
Boosting the heart rate makes endorphins and
endorphins make you happy #wordCatMTL@michele_butcher

24. Talk about it
You might feel alone but you are never alone. There is
always someone willing to listen. #wordCatMTL@michele_butcher

25. Get help
If you ever feel sducidal, just can’t take it anymore, or
wanting to hurt yourself or others, seek professional help.
#wordCatMTL@michele_butcher

26. Making a
community stand
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27. Kick the stigma
Mental Health can affect everyone.
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28. Be a friend
If you see someone who seems like they are having a
bad day, be a friend to them.
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29. Raise Awareness
Don’t be afraid to share your story and share
information.@michele_butcher #wordCatMTL

30. Questions?
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